Mozambique: fears of escalating conflict as foreign troops clash with Islamists

Fighting between Rwandan forces and insurgents linked to Islamic State breaks out in Cabo Delgado

Foreign troops sent to reinforce local security forces in Mozambique have clashed with Islamist militants for the first time, as the conflict in the east African country moves into a new and potentially dangerous phase.

Rwandan soldiers who recently arrived in Mozambique fought a series of engagements against the extremists last week. Few reliable details of the fighting, which took place near Mozambique's border with Tanzania, have emerged, but officials claim the insurgents suffered dozens of casualties.